Check those freezers for recalled meat

Product no longer in stores, but it may still be in homes

It’s time to check those freezers for ground beef, Yuma.

A massive recall of ground beef that began in October has been expanded this week, from 6.9 million pounds to 12.1 million pounds of raw beef products.

According to the Associated Press, the products were packaged between late July and September. The recalled products, which were produced by JBS Tolleson in Arizona, will have the USDA inspection number “EST.267.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says the concern stems from Salmonella Newport. So far, 246 patients have been confirmed in 25 states.

Salmonella can be a serious issue. It’s one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses, with symptoms including diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever within 12 to 72 hours of eating the contaminated food. Symptoms can last for four to seven days.

There are ways to mitigate the concerns of bacteria like salmonella, which can be present in any raw meat or poultry. The USDA notes that one should first always cook raw meat to a safe internal temperature, and to verify that, check the temperature with a food thermometer. Why? Because if you hit the right temperatures, cooking kills salmonella.

The other key step is to always wash hands and any food prep spaces and utensils thoroughly and often, to help prevent cross contamination.

Officials note that this ground beef has been pulled from stores, so any ground beef purchased now shouldn’t be a concern. The current concern is for any product that could still be lurking in someone’s freezer — hence the call to check those freezers.

The ground beef in question was sold across the nation. Given that, it’s worth checking your freezers for ground beef. If you find ground beef with USDA inspection number “EST. 267,” throw it out, or return it to the place of purchase.